Understanding Double Chance Betting in Football: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Double Chance Betting?

Double Chance betting is a popular and beginner-friendly way to bet on football matches. It gives you two possible outcomes to win your bet, instead of just one. This makes it less risky than traditional bets, where you only pick one result.

In a typical football match, there are three possible outcomes:
1. Home team wins (1)
2. Draw (X)
3. Away team wins (2)

With Double Chance, you combine two of these outcomes into one bet. This means your bet will win if either of your chosen outcomes happens.

How Does Double Chance Work?

Double Chance bets are usually shown in three formats:

1. 1X (Home Win or Draw): You win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.

2. X2 (Draw or Away Win): You win if the away team wins or the match ends in a draw.

3. 12 (Home Win or Away Win): You win if either team wins. You only lose if the match ends in a draw.

Example of Double Chance Betting

Let’s say Manchester United is playing Liverpool.

– If you bet on 1X (Manchester United or Draw), your bet wins if Manchester United wins or the match is a draw.
– If you bet on X2 (Draw or Liverpool), your bet wins if Liverpool wins or the match is a draw.
– If you bet on 12 (Manchester United or Liverpool), your bet wins if either team wins. You only lose if the match ends in a draw.

Why Choose Double Chance Bets?

Double Chance bets are popular for several reasons:

Lower Risk: You have two ways to win instead of one, so your chances of winning are higher.

Good for Underdogs: If you think the underdog might avoid losing, you can cover both a win and a draw.

Useful for Close Matches: When teams are evenly matched, Double Chance allows you to cover more possibilities.

Comparing Double Chance to Traditional Bets

In a standard 1X2 bet, you pick only one outcome. For example, if you bet on the home team to win, you lose if it’s a draw or the away team wins.

With Double Chance, you get two outcomes. But because your chances of winning are higher, the odds (the potential payout) are lower than a single bet on one outcome.

How to Place a Double Chance Bet

Step 1: Choose Your Match

Pick a football match you want to bet on. Look for the Double Chance market in your betting site’s list of options.

Step 2: Select Your Double Chance Option

Decide whether you want to bet on 1X, X2, or 12. Think about which two outcomes you believe are most likely.

Step 3: Check the Odds

Double Chance odds are usually lower than regular win/draw/win bets because your chance of winning is higher. Make sure you understand what your potential payout will be.

Step 4: Enter Your Stake

Decide how much money you want to bet. Enter your stake on the betting slip.

Step 5: Confirm Your Bet

Double-check your selection and the amount you want to bet. Confirm your bet. Now, just wait for the match to finish!

Example Bet

Suppose you bet $20 on “1X” (Home Win or Draw) at odds of 1.40.

– If the home team wins or draws, you win.
– Your return would be $20 x 1.40 = $28.
– Your profit is $8 (since you get your $20 stake back plus $8 profit).

When to Use Double Chance Bets

Double Chance bets are especially useful in these situations:

1. Backing Underdogs: If you think the underdog team could surprise everyone and at least get a draw, Double Chance lets you cover both a win and a draw for that team.

2. Avoiding Risk in Tight Matches: When two teams are very close in ability, it’s hard to predict a winner. Double Chance allows you to bet on two outcomes and reduce your risk.

3. Protecting Accumulators: If you’re building an accumulator (a bet with several selections), using Double Chance on tricky matches can help your bet survive unexpected results.

Practical Example

Let’s say Team A is playing at home against Team B, a strong away team. You think Team A is unlikely to lose, but you’re not sure they’ll win.

– Betting on 1X (Team A or Draw) means you win if Team A wins or draws.
– If the match ends 1-1, you win.
– If Team A wins 2-1, you win.
– If Team B wins, you lose.

Pros and Cons of Double Chance Betting

Pros

Higher Chance of Winning: Two out of three possible outcomes win your bet.
Great for Beginners: Easier to understand and less risky than other bet types.
Flexible: Useful in many different match situations.

Cons

Lower Odds: Because your chance of winning is higher, the payout is smaller.
Less Profitable for Favorites: If you use Double Chance on a strong favorite, the odds may be very low.

Tips for Successful Double Chance Betting

1. Do Your Research: Check team form, injuries, and head-to-head records before betting.

2. Don’t Always Back the Favorite: Double Chance is often best used when you think an underdog or a draw is likely.

3. Use for Accumulators: Adding Double Chance bets to an accumulator can help you avoid losing your whole bet due to one unexpected result.

4. Manage Your Bankroll: Always bet within your limits. Double Chance is safer, but no bet is guaranteed.

5. Watch for Value: Sometimes, Double Chance odds offer good value if you spot a team that’s underrated by bookmakers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Odds: Don’t just pick Double Chance because it feels safer. Make sure the odds are worth the risk.

2. Overusing on Favorites: Betting Double Chance on strong favorites often gives very low returns.

3. Forgetting the Draw: Remember, if you bet on “12” (either team to win), you lose if the match is a draw.

Frequently Asked Questions about Double Chance

Is Double Chance the same as Draw No Bet?

No. With Draw No Bet, your stake is refunded if the match ends in a draw. With Double Chance, you win if either of your two selected outcomes happens.

Can I use Double Chance in live (in-play) betting?

Yes! Many bookmakers offer Double Chance bets during live matches, but the odds will change as the game progresses.

Does Double Chance include extra time or penalties?

Usually, Double Chance bets only count for the 90 minutes of regular time plus any added injury time. They do not include extra time or penalty shootouts.

Summary: Is Double Chance Right for You?

Double Chance betting is a simple and practical way for beginners and intermediate bettors to reduce risk and increase their chances of winning. By covering two out of three possible outcomes, you can bet with more confidence—especially in close or unpredictable matches.

Remember, the trade-off for this extra safety is lower odds, so always check if the potential payout is worth your stake. Use Double Chance wisely, do your research, and enjoy making more informed football bets.

With this guide, you now understand what Double Chance betting is, how it works, and how to use it to your advantage. Good luck, and bet responsibly!